Anyone noticed this on stock 96-97 Explorers?

[axionplaya]

I know it's kind of out of the norm and all--- but recently a friend of mine came over to my house and park his 1998 Ford Explorer XLT next to my 1996 Ford Explorer XLT. Although his car is a few years younger than my car, i noticed very, little similarites and shared characteristics. Only noticable difference of course was the tailight for my truck and his truck. However, he told me that my car could pass off for being a 1998-2000 Explorer because of distinct feature... his grille was black and so was mines. Since then, I've began to just casually glance @ other 1996-1998 Explorers in particular. I noticed that almost all "1998" Explorers have black grilles, while most 1996-1997 Explorers have the standard silver grill. In contrast, I have seen certain 1996-1997 Explorers with black grilles also. However my question is to anyone and everyone why my 1996 Explorer XLT and certain other 1996-1997 Explorers have black grilles like a 1998-up Explorer while the majority of other Explorers have silver chrome grilles?


Many thanks---
Roy

1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD
4.0 SOHC V6
K&N Filter
Flowmaster

 

[Blee1099]

it is all based on trim levels..

 

[Premier]

LOL This is funny, made me laugh. My grill is black(96)

 

[98XLTLMEdition]

well my 98 has a sliver grille insert and the chrome around it...they go by trim xlt get chrome and silver the xls and xl(the two crappy models) get either on color or black and most of the 97- have a black one from what i see...i dont ever recall a "96 being destictivly looking like a 98" the 98 have a diffrent hatch a diffrent screen behind the grill and a diffrent hatch and tails..you friend must be mistaken i can tell a 95-97 from a 98 from the rear best going by the grille is vain cuz it changes with trim levels and the color you paint it.

 

[Premier]

Did you just call my explorer a "crappy model"?

 

[JTX]

LOL! You just started a war.

 

[Billy177]

you have a sohc in a 96 i thought they were only available in 97 and up

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Some '95-'97 Explorers have black grill is probably because it was replaced due to accidents or just want to replace it. In my case, I repainted mine dark british green, but when you look at it from far away, it looks black until you get up close and you'll see the shades of green and metallic flakes.

 

[IAmTodd]

Mine's green, does that mean anything?

 

[axionplaya]

Interesting replies... to reply to 98XLTEdition: I don't know what it is, my car has never been salvaged or anything like that, I got the car as a hand-me-down a few years ago, and nothing has ever happened to it physically. I mentioned before in my original post, I wasn't implying that I could tell the difference between the WHOLE Explorer, but rather I COULDN'T tell the difference from black grilles on certain models... Also, XL/XLS models aren't crappy... just basic They get the job done w/out any fancy-schmancy power-windows, overhead consoles, premium sound system, blah blah blah. You can fix em up and turn them into monsters

Next, sorry to not mention that my engine is actually a '98 Engine thats just been dropped into my '96 Explorer :-D. I wasted money years ago for the 200+ hp 4 Liter Engine than have the old stock 4.0 engine.

Like I mentioned before, my car has never been in any wreck or accident physically, I just can't figure out why my grille on my old explorer is black.

To prove my point also about black grilles, I have found '96 or '97 Explorers throughout the net that also have black grilles. Check out these ebaymotor links for example:
1.) http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6012&item=2490654736&rd=1 <--- 1996 Ford "Ex" XLT
2.) http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6012&item=2490243148&rd=1 <--- 1998 Ford "Ex" XLT

Finally, this is for the last post. Someone on this site informed me off-forum (thanks bro) about why your Explorer might have a green grille. Looks like your car is a sport model, so in turn many Sport models have had strictly matching color grilles


Thanks to everyone for reading my post and posting the replies,
Roy

1996 Ford Explorer XLT
4WD
4.0 Liter SOHC
K&N Filter
Flowmaster

 

[IAmTodd]

Finally, this is for the last post. Someone on this site informed me off-forum (thanks bro) about why your Explorer might have a green grille. Looks like your car is a sport model, so in turn many Sport models have had strictly matching color grilles

Yes, I know I was just playing dumb. Interesting find though!

 

[axionplaya]

hehe, funny

 

[Electrohacker]

my '96's grill is grey... the outer part is chrome but the grill itself is grey... I really wish it was black and the bumper too... it would be easier to keep up and it would look more evil on top of the fact that it would look good with light covers...

 

[00XLS]

Did you just call my explorer a "crappy model"?

Thems fightin' words...my "crappy" model is pretty equiped as far as I'm concerned.

 

[davesexplorer]

ha ha ha....

 

[98XLTLMEdition]

Did you just call my explorer a "crappy model"?

i didnt say sports where crappy i said xl and xls's where ...dont get all ofended people! i define crappy as any truck our county uses..the XL is STRIPED i dont like it...actaully i do like the XLS but i just dont like the grey moulding(flares and bumper) cuz people around here let them fade and never bother to clean em makes em look like poopey. People with xlt just never clean em period and have 95906849 door dings...o well that just from what i see around sarasota...dont worry *****es i love all explodas

 

[axionplaya]

I'm glad everyone is actually checking this out, it's kind of out-of-the-ordinary and all, but Explorer owners, take heed and notice your grilles hehe


Roy
_________________________________________________________
1996 Ford Explorer XLT
4WD
4.0L SOHC V6
K&N Filter
Flowmaster

 

[98XLTLMEdition]

Thems fightin' words...my "crappy" model is pretty equiped as far as I'm concerned.

oh yah my friend made a funny equasion for xls

XLS=Xtra Lesbian and ****y

XLT=Xtra Large Turbo!

EB(eddie bower)=Extra *****ey(driver) laugh people it funny!

 

[axionplaya]

LMAO... thats harsh hehe